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TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The former CEO of Arrow Trucking Co. is asking a federal judge in Tulsa for leniency when he’s sentenced for conspiracy and tax evasion.

James Douglas “Doug” Pielsticker had been accused of taking part in a $25 million conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and a Utah bank. He pleaded guilty in February to one count each of conspiracy and tax evasion and now faces up to 10 years in prison.

In court papers filed last week, Pielsticker’s attorney asked the sentencing judge to “impose the shortest period of incarceration, if any, warranted under the circumstances,” the Tulsa World (https://bit.ly/1PNpGIA ) reported. A “unique heart condition” is cited in the documents as one of the reasons for the judge to consider giving him probation rather than a prison term.

His attorney also argues that Pielsticker would be subject to less severe punishment if he was sentenced after Nov. 1, when proposed amendments to federal sentencing guidelines go into effect.

Pielsticker has admitted to making some “bad decisions,” but he blames the demise of his family’s company on poor economic conditions and the company’s former CFO and secretary, according to court records.

“Although Mr. Pielsticker, because of his position and his irresponsible personal spending habits in 2009, is an easy target for public anger over Arrow’s failure, the accusation is simply not true,” states a memorandum filed on his behalf.

In December 2009, Arrow Trucking Co. abruptly closed, leaving truckers across the country stranded without pay or a way to purchase fuel to get home.

U.S. Chief District Judge Gregory Frizzell is scheduled to sentence Pielsticker next Thursday.